At First Mid, we take pride in supporting all businesses. In celebration of National Women’s Small Business Month, we are showcasing some of those businesses that may inspire other entrepreneurs looking to grow their ventures and make a difference in their communities.
We spoke with Bonni Burns, owner of BAM Marketing Agency, about her entrepreneurial journey and the impact of mentorship and partnerships on her success.
1. How did you start your career as an entrepreneur?
I originally started my career in the agency world, where I really ‘cut my teeth’ when understanding media buying and marketing. I worked hard, quickly advancing to national media sales and eventually managing TV stations. I always had a vision in the back of my mind that I wanted to start my own company. If I was working this hard for others, why not just do it for myself? I come from a family of business owners, so I think my entrepreneurial spirit was formed in my early years, and I was at a point where I was ready to go for it. For me, it was about more than owning my own business. I also had a clear vision of establishing a company with a workplace culture aligned with my values and beliefs. I wanted it to be a place centered around positive relationships and treating people right, and I’m proud that’s still who we are today at BAM.
2. Is this your first business?
Yes, it is. But I was fortunate earlier in my career to help launch/build a few TV stations from the ground up, which felt like my own business. I grew up watching my parents run a successful furniture business, so I learned a lot about managing a business and having a solid work ethic from them.
3. Did you find external resources such as courses, training programs, or mentors helpful in your journey?
Absolutely. I’ve had several mentors from the broadcast business who have guided me on my path to success. I think seeking out people who can help you grow and better yourself is essential to being a successful business owner. You should never stop learning.
4. How did you grow your company into what it is today?
BAM has been named one of the fastest-growing businesses in St. Louis several times over the last few years. That would imply everything happened quickly, but truthfully, it was slow and consistent growth. Fortunately, BAM has always prioritized building client relationships, and as our clients grew and had success, so did we. Many of our clients have been with us for 12 years or more, and we’re truly an extension of their team. For instance, we started working with Shriners Children’s locally in St. Louis almost 10 years ago, and they had never done a patient acquisition campaign before. We launched a campaign for them that proved to be very successful, which led to us handling their marketing on a national level. Now, we manage their patient acquisition campaigns in 20 of their locations across the nation, and they are seeing record-breaking numbers of new patients coming in. We have many other similar stories, which is extremely rewarding for us.
I always say that our investment is in our people at BAM. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do if we didn’t have an incredible team of employees who genuinely care about doing their best work every day. I’ve always tried to set goals and hire qualified, dynamic people to help us reach those goals, which makes a big difference.
5. Were there critical foundational elements that contributed significantly?
There are many, but the ones that stand out include family support along with my faith, ambition, and drive. My strong work ethic, social skills, and desire to win have also played a significant role. I have had a poster hanging in my office since 1994 saying, “Stand up for what is right, even if you are standing alone.” When you work with integrity, success will follow.
6. Have you encountered challenges while starting or running your own business?
There are always challenges, but I focus on turning those into opportunities. My biggest challenge has been finding the right balance between work and family. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’ve done without my family’s support because running a business does take a lot of hard work and long hours. But that happens for many business owners when you start a company — there’s a lot of sacrifice. Thankfully, my family understood why I was doing what I was doing and supported me.
From a business standpoint, one of the biggest challenges was getting all the necessary resources to grow. I had to invest first to consistently get new business clients and be smart about what I said ‘yes’ to. There were times when I had to say ‘no’ because I knew it would be too much of a strain on the company and our resources. That was hard for me because I’m naturally a person who wants to do it all.
7. What advice would you give other women thinking about becoming an entrepreneur?
Do it! But have a plan and stay confident — even during the low times. I recommend following Brené Brown, one of the best motivators I’ve found for women. Also, try to consciously think about surrounding yourself with the right people who will help you get where you are trying to go. Make sure you start with a solid business strategy and budget. Lay the foundation and then work toward that goal. It’s important to learn how to take each ‘no’ as an opportunity to grow. You’re not always going to get a yes. There’s always a lesson why — don’t be afraid to explore what you could have done better. Be vulnerable without being too hard on yourself.
8. What are the next steps for your business?
We recently completed a five-year strategic plan focused on client retention and acquisition. We have solid people and great processes, and now we need to apply those on a bigger scale.
9. Do you have plans to expand?
Yes, we plan to double our revenue within five years by aligning ourselves with strategic partnerships. But for us, the focus has always been on sustainable growth.
10. How has First Mid made an impact on your business?
First Mid has had a huge impact, starting with Dennis Terry, the CEO of First Clover Leaf Bank before it was acquired by First Mid. Dennis is one of my all-time favorite mentors. Steve Cooper, Division President at First Mid in the Metro East Illinois area, has also been a trusted resource throughout the growth of BAM. First Mid feels like a partner, not just a bank.
11. Do you also work with First Mid for purposes beyond commercial lending?
Yes, in several ways. All our business banking accounts are with First Mid, and many personal banking accounts. Additionally, BAM is a strategic marketing partner for First Mid, providing numerous growth opportunities.
In Bonni’s trailblazing journey, we see the power of mentorship, strategic planning, and community support.
If you dream of starting or expanding your business, click here to learn more about our Commercial Loans. Our commercial lenders are here to help.
*This Q&A was edited for clarity and length.
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